The market value of the cocoa beans sector in the UAE is projected to reach USD 17.24 billion this year, with expectations to grow to USD 23.97 billion by 2029. More S&M businesses enter the industry with the growing trend towards organic and sustainable cocoa products. The UAE's cocoa bean prices have experienced considerable volatility over the past five years, but a general increase in prices has been noted in recent months. Bulk cocoa beans are imported predominantly from Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana, which are the largest suppliers. Here is what you need to know before shipping bulk cocoa beans into the UAE.
Shipping Bulk Cocoa Beans: Key Logistical Considerations
Cocoa beans need to be kept cool during shipping, ideally between 60 and 70 °F. We use refrigerated containers and monitor temperature. High heat can cause mold or impair flavor. Humidity must be maintained at around 55–65% to prevent moisture damage and minimize mold risk; We use desiccant packets to keep it low.
Proper airflow is crucial to allowing release of carbon dioxide and excess moisture. When planning bulk cocoa beans cargo, shipping containers must allow for adequate air circulation. Also, before loading, we sanitize, inspect and fumigate the container to prevent infestation by insects/pests during transit. Moreover, since cocoa beans can absorb foreign smells, the container should be odor-free.
Packaging should be moisture-resistant, like GrainPro bags, or we can use container lining to avoid direct contact with walls. For cargo protection, we use pallets to stack bags and add cushioning between bags. As an expert freight forwarder, we know how to choose the most suitable transit time to maintain cargo integrity cost-effectively. However, shipping via air is necessary, if transit takes more than 3 weeks by ocean.
Top Countries to Import Cocoa Beans From
In 2022, United Arab Emirates imported $11.2M in Cocoa Beans, mainly from Cote d'Ivoire ($10.4M), Tanzania ($441k), Netherlands ($57.2k), Nigeria ($42.3k), and France ($37.7k). The top producing location of Cocoa beans are as follows:
Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) remains the largest cocoa producer, with an estimated production of around 2.2M metric tons. Ghana is the second-largest producer and exporter, contributing approximately 1.1M metric tons. One of the top suppliers is the cocoa processing company. Indonesia's production is significant, although exact recent figures vary, typically around 667,000 metric tons. One of the top suppliers of Cocoa beans in Indonesia is PT Comextra Majora. Ecuador is also known for its fine-flavor cocoa, Ecuador produced around 337,000 metric tons in 2022. Nigeria's production stands at about 280,000 metric tons; while Cameroon stands at 300,000 metric tons.
Customs and Documentation
If there is no import permit, before importing bulk cocoa bean cargo, one must apply for an import permit from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment at least 2 weeks before importation. We provide the bill of lading or airway bill, detailing information about the consignment. As a customs broker, we prepare and submit a customs declaration providing product details, harmonized code, country of origin, etc., on behalf of our clients.
Upon cargo arrival, we present the original certificates of origin, commercial invoices, packing lists, bill of lading, and import permit. Applicable duties need to be paid, which is often 5% of the product value for cocoa beans. The shipment may undergo inspections by customs, health, and industry agencies, and fumigation may be required. After verifying all documents, customs issues a release order to take delivery of the consignment. Importers must update the book of accounts and retain all documents for a minimum of 5 years.
Key documents needed are: bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, insurance certificate, import permit, laboratory analysis report, and fumigation certificate. The customs process must be completed within 2 weeks of cargo arrival.
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